"Bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places." In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the city of Staunton - with only 25,000 residents - is home to six independent bookshops. From general interest to specific niches, there’s something for everyone. Even better: half of them are within a three-minute walk from one another and the other half is less than a five-minute drive from historic downtown. In honor of National Independent Bookshop Day 2025, I took a tour of Staunton’s Indie bookstores and captured some of my personal favorites to help you plan your next bookish adventure in the Queen City: The Book DragonBook lovers with a general interest in fiction and non-fiction might start at The Book Dragon at 102 W Beverley Street in the heart of downtown. From young adult to romance, children’s books (always 10% off!) to manga, from cookbooks and food writing to biography - there’s something for everyone. My favorite section are the prominently featured titles that made it onto the Indie Bookshop bestseller list (also 10% off!). The Book Dragon’s owner, Sandra Cararo, explains, “I've always wanted to open a bookstore that provides readers of all ages with all genres of books. I enjoy helping readers find books that I hope they will enjoy and to help them discover new authors. It’s important to me to be able to give back, that’s why I work with schools and other community organizations. We've done author events, hosted our first book festival in 2024, as well as children's activities. My favorite, however, are the one-on-one conversations with customers.” Make sure to take a moment to take in the famous You Belong Here mural on the side of The Book Dragon - one of Staunton’s most photographed spots!  Sandra’s recommendations
Staunton Books & TeaNon-fiction enthusiasts only need to walk two blocks to step into the well curated walls of Staunton Books & Tea. This woman-owned independent bookshop at 34 E Beverley St celebrates its one year anniversary on National Bookshop Day. Owner Julia Sabin and her husband Nick ran a bookshop for used books for nearly ten years before shifting into this next iteration that is a haven for tea lovers and non-fiction readers alike (the shop also sells selected fiction). With serving tea the intellectual experience will merge with the sensory experience and be a complete joy. Julia highlights her vision for Staunton Books & Tea, “I knew that I wanted to have tea in the shop as I am a tea drinker and thought that Staunton was missing a place for good tea. I knew that I wanted to create a unique selection of books for mature adult readers, focusing on my genre – non-fiction but also bringing something special from my international background. Therefore, our fiction section is leaning towards international literature. I also wanted to have an interesting community around the shop, and now we have it – the community of curious people eager to read more to understand the complexity of this world.” Every other month, the shop opens its doors to Staunton's International Book Club, co-hosted by a representative of the author's country. Julia and her team work with community members to curate their community bookshelf and pilot other event formats. “At Staunton Books & Tea, we’ve found that our community responds best to thoughtful, intimate events that invite connection and conversation.” Julia elaborates, “We host author talks, book clubs, lectures, and panel discussions—all curated to reflect the diverse interests of our readers while creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and safe.” And it shows. Most days that you walk into Staunton Books & Tea (open Thursday - Monday), you will find the booksellers deep in conversation with one or more customers. One of them, Vicki Breeden, shares why she loves working at Staunton Books & Tea, “I have always believed that books have the power to change lives, whether it is by enriching the imagination, fostering hope in dark times, exposing truths, or providing insight to the world around us. I am incredibly proud of the small but impactful book collection Julia has curated here at Staunton Books & Tea, and it brings me such joy to share it with both our local community and Staunton's many visitors. Whether I'm describing a plot line while putting a book in a customer's hand or exchanging ideas (and cultures) during one of our International Book Club discussions, I feel that what we are doing at SB&T is important and has the power to change lives!” This spirit guides all booksellers at the shop. Julia, with a full-time job during the week, gives the shop her all, “My favorite thing to do at the shop is to find the right book for a customer and have a good conversation with them. I believe that a small retail business is about a one-of-a-kind human experience, which is about discovering, communicating, and enjoying beautiful conversations.”  Julia has had many of these experiences herself. She remembers, “Our very first sale at our used bookstore over ten years ago was to a tourist who bought a book about life in Russia. A decade later, the first book sold at Staunton Books & Tea was Spin Dictators by Russian economist Sergey Guriyev. It’s a sharp analysis of modern authoritarian regimes, including Russia, where dictators maintain the illusion of democracy.” Julia immigrated from Russia in 2015. Julia’s recommendations
Barrister Books Anyone looking for rare, old and used books only need to wander another 300 feet into Barrister’s Row to step into the world of Anthony Baker, owner of Barrister Books. Anthony got his first taste for selling books when he was only eighteen years old living in 1960s London. He apprenticed at Henry Sotheran. Anthony turned his professional attention to building construction in Northern Virginia but his love for collecting books remained and he collected rare copies for decades. In 2002, he and his wife moved from Charlottesville to Staunton and opened Barrister Books in 2008 inside a historic building on the corner of Lawyers and Barristers Row. “I curate an eclectic and varied selection, because that’s what I like to read. I buy old, used and rare books in great condition - often from people that are downsizing. I don’t want titles to pile up in a corner so I choose carefully what I select for the shop.” Anthony explains. He calls it Fingerspitzengefuehl. Fingerspitzengefuehl is the electric spark you get when you touch a book that is just right for you. From the Hardy Boys in the kids section to sections titles Big Weather, Poetry, Nature and Religion - the selection at Barrister truly is eclectic. Anthony’s Fingerspitzengefuehl is paying off. Anthony's recommendation
More Staunton bookstopsWords Matter Gift ShopIf you’re looking for poetry, visionary books, and inspiring word-art, stop by Words Matter Gift Shop, a mere two-minute walk from both Barrister Books and Staunton Books & Tea. Author and New York City native Terah Cox has published several books as well as a line of poetry and word art for all kinds of occasions. Words Matter features books on the natural world, spirituality, personal growth and social issues (“Book, Mind & Thinker” section), as well as poetry, award-winning children's literature and books from local authors. Other offerings include works from local artists and artisans, framed and frameable prints and custom work, greeting cards, handmade papers and journals, candles, jewelry, and their "Things with Wings" line of fairies.  Know Knew BooksSecond hand treasure hunters will get their kick at Know Knew Books, a short drive outside of downtown Staunton. More warehouse than cozy bookshop, you will quickly consult the floor plan to not get lost in the labyrinth of used books. Rows upon rows feature second hand titles of general interest - from children’s titles to cookbooks to business and self-help. If you have the time and enjoy browsing, plan to stop at Know Knew Books at 707 Richmond Road (listed as “Bargain Books’ on Google Maps). Avocado Pit Used BooksIf you’re looking for used books in an alternative ambience, stop by Avocado Pit at 2621 W Beverley Street. On my first (and only) visit, the darkened windows and unassuming storefront prompted me to ask my husband to go in first. Behind the taped off doors we encountered an eclectic mix of older fiction and non-fiction titles. You may find a rare edition of a classic book or general interest titles at a good price. Choose your own adventure;) What I bought during my Staunton Bookshop Tour
*10* of profits of all books purchased through the affiliate links on this site will benefit Staunton Books & Tea. Comments are closed.
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